Bob is a Resident in the St. Jeanne Jugan Apartments. For the past eight years he has been teaching the Catechism to 4th graders at Our Lady of Wayside Parish.
When Bob’s boys were young, he coached baseball and basketball. This was the only teaching experience he had, but when the call went out in his parish in need of a teacher for the 4th graders, Bob stepped up to the plate. The parish provided a short coaching session and let him loose on the 9- and 10-year-olds.
Every Tuesday afternoon during the school year he teaches these impressionable minds all about the Ten Commandments. He sparks discussions by bringing up subjects, such as, symbols, gospel stories, etc. He creates fun quizzes for the children like crossword puzzles. All his quizzes are open book because he wants them to know where to find the information. He says bribery with candy is also a great way to get the children engaged.
Although the Ten Commandments are the main focus for the 4th graders, Bob also discusses the Sacraments (especially Confession), different aspects of the Mass and emphasizes Prayer. This past year after a discussion about the reasons why we go to Confession and how wonderful a gift it is, he saw most of his class lined up for the Sacrament before Mass. Bob was so proud of his little Catechumens!!
Bob Guretz and His Catechumens